Thoroughly Modern Millie
at West Boca High School

Reviewed on April 2, 2010

Lia Testa
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Submitted for publication to

With the big band music blaring and the heat of the roaring twenties pulsating through New York, West Boca High School took us on an adventure as they carried us through the fun and folly of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Opening in April 2002, it was based on a film sharing the same name with Julie Andrews. The production had great success and went on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It follows a young hopeful striving to make it big in New York. While she embraces the new era of feminism and women's rights bombarding the political scene, she uncovers much about herself as well as the society she lives in.

Some overall aspects of the show include the set which perfectly portrayed the 1920's era while adding to the plot. It brought forth the appropriate atmosphere of many scenes and its complex movements were highly admired. Also, the choreography was period-appropriate and maintained strong energy and forceful purpose as it helped tell the story of Millie.

Stefanie Anarumo, who played Millie Dillmount carried her role with a true genuine quality. She had bold stage presence and molded well with her onstage partners. Jimmy Smith, played by Bruno Faria portrayed the true "New Yorker" of the era with his brazen swag and daring disposition. Also, Samantha Behrman, who played Muzzy van Hossmere had great insight into her character and fortified her performance with strong vocals.

Some stand out characters includes Jennifer Chang and Max Zitomer who played Bun Foo and Ching Ho. They worked well as an ensemble and provided comic relief to the outrageous situations that presented themselves. Another stand out actor was Candace Zamoski who played Mrs. Meers. Her sharp humor rang through as she presented her character with the necessary eccentricities required.

The stage crew worked well as it successfully transported the actors to different scenes with commendable smoothness and ease. Also, the make-up stood out as each actor historically matched the decade and appropriately conveyed the characteristics of their role.

Although Millie may have found happiness in a green-glass love, West Boca High School certainly made sure we left with a glowing emerald!

Abby Botnick
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Submitted for publication to

Gimme gimme that thing called a hit! West Boca High School's performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie was thoroughly a hit! Thoroughly Modern Millie is a famous Tony award winning musical with music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by Dick Scanlan and a book by Richard Morris. The story is about a small girl named Millie Dillmount who come to New York to marry for money instead of love, the modern woman way. She soon finds herself rapped up in love, white slavery, and a flapper lifestyle.

Stefanie Anarumo as Millie stole the night with her vibrant energy and light heartedness. She really embodied all that Millie was modern, youthful, hopeful, and fun. Standing next to her was the leading man Bruno Faria as Jimmy Smith, with his comedic timing and energy always left me wanting more. Samantha Behrman as Muzzy van Hossmere deserves a huge round of applause with her outstanding vocals that gave the show an extra touch that it needed.

On the real comic side was Max Zitomer as Ching Ho. He had great comic timing and I always looked forward to seeing him on stage. He also had to learn Chinese for his part which is impressive considering he has never studied the language before. He also had to sing in Chinese which was amusing as well. Next to him was Jennifer Change as Bun Foo his brother and partner in crime, she is fluent in Chinese and made the show even funnier with her jokes in her native tongue.

The technical side of the show was mostly all done by adults but the set should be noted for it was quite impressive with three turning pieces of scenery that were handled by the student during the course of the show. In charge of this was the Stage Manager Carly Kruger and her assistant Stage Managers Alicia Garrity, Chris Fread, and Amanda Day. They handled this big project with ease and made the show even more seamless. The set was provided by Gateway Playhouse in Belport, NY.

Although some actors could have worked harder in rehearsal on their accents and singing their energy and character development covered some of the flaws throughout the night.

The night was full of surprises and laughter at West Boca High School's theatre and the night ended in success. So don't forget about this High School's theatre department when choosing a good show to see one weekend.

Shanise Taylor
Dillard Center for the Arts
Submitted for publication to

This is 1922, so raise your skirts, bob your hair its Manhattan baby and everything is thoroughly modern! Or so it was portrayed in West Boca High School's performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

"Burn the bridge, bet the store, baby's coming home no more, no more!" With Millie Dillmount's ambitions nothing can slip past her, "Not for the life of me". Millie leaves her Podunk Kanasas town for the big city with a pocket full of dreams. But there not as easy to attain as she thought. With bills piling up and no job, Millie decides to marry money. But where do find a rich eligible bachelor? At work! So Millie goes on a quest for a rich boss/ fiancé`, meeting an assortment of characters along the way. But Millie realizes that when you marry its for love, its not just a business deal like she read in Vogue, When you find the one you love money no longer matters. But, there is a plot twist. Does Millie become a Millie-onaire?

With music by Jeanine Tesori, and lyrics by Dick Scalan, this musical was made to be a hit. The proof, 6 Tony's and 5 Drama Desk awards. And West Boca High School took this challenge and executed an exceptional performance.

The set was a snapshot New York portrait during the 1920's, decorated with skyscrapers, lights and the feel of jazz. To change up the scenery ,West Boca cleverly used a fly of a hotel hallway that was intricately designed by Steven Robson and James Madden. Props and effects all flowed with ease. This show in its entirety was defiantly satisfactory.

Now as for leads, there isn't one actor that "stole the show", there are two. The duet of Jimmy Smith and Millie Dillmount played by Bruno Faria and Stephanie Anarumo was admirable. They possessed such strong chemistry on stage that it kept the audience wanting more. Stephanie is a natural on the stage and she made it known. And Bruno kept the audience engaged during his scenes with his swift moves and the power of his voice.

With strong soloist, stellar tap sequences and choreography, and ensembles this show was a good way to end 2010 Cappies season

Joy Addler
American Heritage Center for the Arts
Submitted for publication to

With only one ticket home and high-reaching dreams, Millie Dillmount embarks on a journey from Kansas to New York City in hopes of finding love, only to discover it where she least expected. Love, catchy musical numbers, and white slavery combine to create the classic musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, performed by West Boca High School.

Thoroughly Modern Millie, written by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan, with music and lyrics by Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan, premiered on Broadway in 2002. It then toured the nation in 2003, followed by a West End tour in the same year, and a UK Tour in 2005. Based on the 1967 film, Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of a country girl from Kansas who moves to New York City in search of a rich husband. She soon finds herself in the middle of a white slavery scandal and a developing love affair. After its Broadway debut, the musical went on to win six 2002 Tony Awards, including the award for Best Musical.

Stephanie Anarumo, who played modern woman Millie Dillmount, gave a phenomenal performance. Her voice was beautiful, especially in numbers such as Gimme Gimme, which showed her true vocal abilities. Through her amazing characterization, she allowed a connection with her character that gave the show a sense of realism for the audience.

Another outstanding performance was given by the owner of Hotel Priscilla, Mrs. Meers, portrayed by Candace Zamoski. Her comedic timing and line delivery made the audience erupt with laughter any time she was on stage.

Although the show was thoroughly entertaining and amazingly well done, a few minor technical difficulties did somewhat distract from some of the actors' performances. Some of the performers' microphones were fading in and out, making it difficult to understand certain lines or lyrics. This also lessened the strength of their vocal performances.

Some of the actors also had a problem with their volume and diction. They spoke or sang too quietly and not clearly enough, making it very difficult to decipher what they were saying. This inconvenience made certain points in the show hard to follow, although the overall direction and plot of the performance were not lost.

West Boca High School put on an amazing production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Their high energy level and upbeat musical numbers made for an entertaining and incredibly enjoyable performance.

Briana Rittersporn
Coral Springs High School
Submitted for publication to

Bobbed haircuts, short and frilly flapper dresses and the new mentality of the roaring twenties made West Boca High School's musical production of Thoroughly Modern Millie thoroughly entertaining.

Based on the 1967 film of the same name, Thoroughly Modern Millie was adapted to the stage, with music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Dick Scanlan, and book by Richard Morris and Scanlan. Millie made its Broadway debut in 2002, winning multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical. The play follows a small town girl, Millie Dillmount, who moves to New York in search of the modern woman's life in 1922: landing a job and marrying for money. While trying to live out her dream, problems arise when she unintentionally becomes involved in a Chinese white slavery ring at the hotel where she resides.

The production was anchored by complex choreography, colorful and energetic ensemble numbers and aesthetically pleasing stage pictures that were enjoyable to watch.

Stefanie Anarumo (Millie Dillmount) stole the show with her commanding stage presence, realistic interaction with other characters, and with noteworthy vocal performances. Her character clearly transformed through the duration of the show, creating a sense of verisimilitude within the production. Bruno Faria (Jimmy Smith) kept the upbeat tempo of the show moving with his exaggerated body language and punctual line delivery. His energy output was consistently high and contributed to the enthusiasm needed for such a fast-paced musical.

Samantha Behrman (Muzzy van Hossmere) had a memorable vocal performance, utilizing powerful facial expressions in combination with full-body movements to emphasize her purpose in each number. Alina Castillo (Miss Dorothy) also had strong vocal performances, and developed a sweet and untainted character by using swift line delivery and light dance movements. Candace Zamoski (Mrs.Meers) was a strong source of the show's comedy, employing the use of a character voice that was both funny and appropriate for the development of her character's importance in the plot.

The ensemble was impressive in the dance numbers, especially in the complex tap dance routines throughout the production. Most characters appeared to be engaged and absorbed in the show, but some lacked in energy or did not project loud enough for a more audible vocal performance.

Sound experienced some microphone problems, but the actors compensated by projecting when feedback occurred. Lighting was appropriate and accurately reflected the mood of each scene. The sets were functional, and the costumes and make-up were authentic for the time period of the musical.

At the curtain's close, the cast and crew at West Boca High School had the audience turning the corner and falling in love with their musical production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Ryan Juda
University School
Submitted for publication to

Millie Dillmount is here. She is here in New York City, "falling in love with someone", but that someone isn't exactly who she expected in West Boca High School's stirring production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Set in the buzzing 1920's, Thoroughly Modern Millie follows the Kansas born and bred Millie Dillmount whose life ambition is to find work and marry her wealthy boss. On her journey, she meets some not-so-everyday characters, such as the shifty Mrs. Meers and the southern belle, Miss Dorothy. The story results in Millie falling head over heels for "just another guy" who is revealed to be "just another millionaire."

The forty-person cast kept the energy going and had the audience practically wanting to dance along. In numbers such as the title song "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and the sassy "Forget About the Boy", the cast had the audience teeming with excitement.

Displaying talent beyond her years, Stephanie Anarumo depicted the giddy Millie Dillmount. Anarumo portrayed the driven young woman with zest and enthusiasm, which shined especially in the climactic number "Gimme Gimme." Opposite Anarumo was the dashing Bruno Faria, as the "regular" guy, Jimmy Smith; with his soothing voice, he had even the audience falling for him.

Alina Castillo, who played the quirky Miss Dorothy, was always delightful to listen to with her alluring voice in songs such as "I'm Falling in Love with Someone". As well as the laugh-enducing Candace Zamoski as the loveable villain, Mrs. Meers, along with her slapstick duo, Max Zitomer (Ching Ho) and Jennifer Chang (Bun Foo), kept the audience in tears of laughter.

Supporting the cast was the Thoroughly Modern Millie Orchestra. Staying pitch perfect throughout the performance, the Thoroughly Modern Millie Orchestra was singularly outstanding. Rehearsing a mere six times, the orchestra sounded professional while keeping up with this high-energy show.

West Boca High School's "thoroughly modern" cast amazed the audience and "gave them gave them" a first-rate production.

Sabina Braverman
Boca Raton High School
Submitted for publication to

West Boca Raton High School's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie transported the audience into the Roaring Twenties- a period notorious for its risqué makeup, short skirts, and even shorter hairstyles.

Thoroughly Modern Millie follows the trials and tribulations of Millie Dillmount, a small-town girl with dreams of making a splash in the big, bad apple. Upon her arrival in New York City, Millie bobs her hair, dons the appropriate flapper attire, and begins her life as an independent woman. Millie quickly adopts the pragmatic attitude of a "modern woman" and accepts that marriage is simply a business transaction. In her quest to find a suitable and wealthy boss to marry, Millie encounters a whirlwind of characters, such as the street-wise and smooth-talking Jimmy. Is the "modern" lifestyle always correct or does Millie realize the importance of a "green glass love?"

As Millie Dillmount, Stephanie Anarumo positively lit up the stage. She graced the audience with her soaring voice and mannerisms: embodying Millie's go-getter attitude spotlessly. Throughout the show, Stephanie exhibited and enormous amount of chemistry with all of the characters, especially with Bruno Faria (Jimmy Smith). Bruno Faria, portraying Jimmy Smith, embodied a typical New Yorker perfectly. Whether pounding the pavement, or pouring his heart out in a jail cell, Bruno was a pleasure. In songs such as "What Do I Need with Love," Bruno exhibited his strong and smooth voice, as well as his superior dancing skills.

Another notable performance came from Candace Zamoski, playing the devious and conniving Mrs. Meers. With her brilliant comedic timing and over the top mannerisms, Zamoski managed to make the topic of white slavery wickedly enjoyable. She played the multifaceted character with apparent ease, as well as stunned the audience with her strong vocals in the song "They Don't Know." As her Chinese-speaking henchmen Ching Ho and Bun Foo, Max Zitomer and Jennifer Chang made the topic of kidnapping orphaned girls almost entertaining. They infused every scene in which they appeared in with humor. In "Muquin," a combined effort between the trio, hilarity ensued, leaving the audience roaring with laughter.

As Muzzy van Hossmere, Samantha Behrman was positively stunning. She wowed the crowd with her big voice in songs such as "Long as I'm Here With You."

The ensemble of MILLIE contributed to the 1920's feel of the production, whether on the streets of Manhattan, in the office of the Sincere Trust Insurance Co, or in a booming speakeasy. They exuded high energy and performed brilliant choreography with apparent ease.

The technical aspects of this production contributed to production's success. Costumes and makeup were period appropriate and helped to enhance the 1920's vibe. The revolving set pieces helped to make scene changes smooth. Sound had a few minor issues, however they were promptly resolved.

"Only in West Boca Raton High School" can the toe tapping and spirited musical Thoroughly Modern Millie come to life and leave audience members begging to go back to 1922.

David Greenberg
Calvary Christian Academy
Submitted for publication to

Set in 1922 New York, when the world began to change and jazz was frowned upon, West Boca High School's production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan, with music and lyrics by Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan, was nothing short of dazzling and amazing, from the first colored wash up on a fully used set to the well done dance performances of the cast.

Based on the 1967 film of the same name, the story follows the life of young Kansas girl, Millie Dillmount, who has recently arrived in New York to become a fully modernized woman, ranging from short hair, short skirts, and being a contribution to the workforce, which were all against the indigenous lifestyle of the former lady. Her first day in New York turns out poorly, but after tripping a man named Jimmy Smith, she quickly starts her journey that lands her in a hotel for young aspiring actresses ran by a strange seemingly Asian woman named Mrs. Meers, an actress in hiding for white slavery rings in China. Since she cannot pay her rent, Millie offers herself to the latest contribution to the fun, the innocent and proper Miss Dorothy, a girl looking to bring her life down while Millie brings hers up. By doing this, she lands her job as a stenographer in hopes that her plan of marrying her boss takes place, given that love does not play a part in it, but once Millie and the other girls of the hotel go out to celebrate, they run into Jimmy Smith again, who quickly gets them into a speakeasy where things do not go as planned. While waiting in jail, Jimmy begins realizing something he hadn't before. Things start to unfold that others would not suspect, with Jimmy getting tripped up into this situation and Millie starting a modern life that brings several up's and down's.

With sensational performances by every member of the cast, Stefanie Anarumo as Millie gave a sparkling performance as the intuitive little flapper with commanding stage performance and vocal styles that brought the audience into what could be describe as professional theatre. Following in her jazzy footsteps was Bruno Faria as Jimmy Smith, who gave an astonishing character with his well timed dancing and singing voice that would have made George Gershwin smile.

Among many of the fantastic performances given, two that stood out were the brother and sister syncopation of Ching Ho and Bun Foo, played by Max Zitomer and Jennifer Chang. Their quick timing and well motivated movements brought a hilarious feel and loving connection to their role in this production.

Other memorable vocalists were those of Alina Castillo as Miss Dorothy, with her wide soprano range to match her joyful character, and Samantha Behrman as Muzzy van Hossmere, who gave a powerful deliverance of a successful actress and singer with heart warming emotion and pleasingly chilling finales.

The roles of Miss Flannery by Stav Berlinerblaw and Trevor Graydon by Adam Segal gave great comedic contributions that were well timed along with their vocalizations and stage demeanor.

The sets and lighting were masterfully designed and portrayed with high rising features and sensational imagery. Though sound had a few minor difficulties, it did not detract much from the entire production.

A major contributing factor was the orchestra. They gave such a remarkable performance with the period sound that this piece called for that true musicianship was evident in their playing. It was unmistakably brilliant as they followed the ensemble through their journey every bit as they did on the stage.

West Boca High School's enrapturing production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" was a truly memorable close to an evening of theatre that was nothing short of professional character. It was a fascinating production that will stay in the minds and hearts of all who were able to catch even a glimpse of the performance.